Facebook Messenger Testing New 'Conversation Topics' Feature

Facebook Messenger's M virtual assistant uses artificial intelligence and human trainers to help users get tasks done. Above, the service as seen on an iPhone. Photo: Facebook

Those who struggle to come up with interesting topics to discuss with their friends may soon be able to receive a helping hand from Facebook. The Messenger app, which hit one billion active users earlier this year, is testing a new feature called “Conversation Topics” that will aid users navigating the online social world.

According to TechCrunch, Chris Messina first spotted the new feature on the iOS app and took to Twitter to share a screenshot of the feature, which is reportedly being tested on select users by Facebook.

Images from Twitter users reveal that the feature has its own section and it shares tidbits of information about a given friend—for example, where they recently visited, a song they listened to, or an event they plan to attend.

While convenient for those looking for a conversation starter, this feature is likely to rub certain users the wrong way—in particular, those who value their privacy within social media platforms.

Earlier this month, Facebook rolled out end-to-end encryption for all new messages on its Messenger platform. Users have to manually put encryption into effect by selecting the “secret” button on the top right corner of the “new message” screen. Enabling encryption requires both participants to have the most up-to-date version of the app.

The “Secret Conversations” feature also allows for certain messages to disappear after a designated time. By selecting the clock icon on the bottom of a message, users can set a timer for 5, 10, and 30 seconds; 1, 5, 10 and 30 minutes; or one hour, six hours, 12 hours or an entire day after it has been seen.

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